Path of Freedom: Quilts of Love Series

The thrilling novel, Path of Freedom by Jennifer Hudson Taylor, is filled with suspense, love, history, and developing relationships with God. The main character, Flora Saferight, is violently thrown into the dangerous and turbulent world of the Underground Railroad as she is forced to work with a childhood enemy in order to smuggle a pregnant slave and her husband into the North and into freedom. Throughout her journey, Flora finds herself wrestling with conflicting emotions of love and hate in the physical world, and confusion in the spiritual one as she struggles in her relationship with Christ, unsure of what His plan is for her. Should she obey man's laws or should she follow the teachings of Christ?

This book was able to recreate the Quaker culture and beliefs very accurately, including manner of speech, dress, and social and religious practices. Flora finds herself romantically attracted to Bruce Millikan, but both realize that their mission to free slaves must have precedence over any personal agendas. Flora had made plans to study to be a midwife, but then Pastor John assigns her to work as Millikan's helper in freeing Jim and Marta, who are being relentlessly pursued by a bounty hunter hired by their former master.

Galatians 3:28 is the theme verse for this novel, in its emphasis that in God's eyes there are no free or slave people, only brothers and sisters in Christ.

Stubborn and focused, Flora is determined to show the world that she can be competent and resourceful. However, in the process, she becomes confused at times, thus sometimes being kind and affectionate toward Bruce and other times obstinate and sour toward him. Helping to be a buffer is Irene, Flora's sister, who helps them on the journey through the Underground Railroad. With aspects of fleeing pursuers, hiding in cellars, seeking needed food, and avoiding army patrols, this story is adventurous and tension filled. Anyone who wishes to get a perspective of this era of American history or to examine how to balance civil and religious laws will enjoy this book. – Karli Rae Melder, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com

Book Jacket:

When Quakers Flora Saferight and Bruce Millikan embark on the Underground Railroad, they agree to put their differences aside to save the lives of a pregnant slave couple. With only her mother’s quilt as a secret guide, the foursome follows the stitches through unknown treachery.

As they embark on their perilous journey, they hope and pray that their path is one of promise where love sustains them, courage builds faith, and forgiveness leads to freedom.